

PRICE 35 CENTS 



Eldridge EntertainmentlHouse 



Franklin, Ohio, 



Denver, Colo. 



NEW HIGH SCHOOL PLAYS 

ALONG CAME BUD— 

for 4 boys and 2 girls. Bud, quite inno- 
cently causes a lot of trouble, but all ends 
well v/hen Bud comes along. Price 25c. 

CLARENCE DECIDES— 

is for 4 males and 6 females, and is a 
very clever comedy. All kinds of funny 
situations are introduced. Price 35c. 

THE CAPTAIN'S PREDICAMENT— 

a rattlirg good farce for 3 males and 4 
females. Lots of fun. Price, 35 cents. 

LOST— THE WHOLE CROWD AND 
THE PARROT— 

a farce in v/hich many amusing complica- 
tions aiise. Plays whole evening. 8 
males and 5 fe.males. Price, 35 cents. 

POLLY LOU— 

a new Gladys Bridgham farce in which 
there ip. plenty of action and an interest- 
ing plot. 6 males, 8 females. Price 35c. 

THE VISITING SMITHS— 

a short sketch telling how the Smith's 
Corner Smiths descended on the New 
York Smiths for a visit. Price, 25 cents. 

THE CONVERSION OF PA. 
THE TRIALS OF EZRA— 

two rev/ Agricultural Extension plays. 
Each, 25 cents. 



Eldridge Entertainment House 

Franklin, Ohio, also 944 S. Logan, Denver, Colo. 



THE HIDDEN NAME 



A Play for Girls. 



By 
AUCE WILLIAMS CHAPUN 



Dedicated to 
Girl Scout Troup 21, of Boston, MaM. 



-Published by 



ILDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSB^ 
ntANKinr, OHIO - dinvu,colo. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS 






^5^^ 



Mrs. Brainerd, the aunt. 

Gladys Proctor \ . 
Violet Proctor \ sisters. 

Shirley Proctor, a cousin. 

The Girl Scout Spirit. 

Tya Knot ^ 
Lectra Sygnal | 
Aida Gauge ', 
Columbia 
Betta Health 



y girl scouts. 



Atheletta J 

I 

\ 



knots. 



Reef ^ 

Sheetbend 
Clove Hitch 
Bowline 
Fisherman's | 
Sheepshank J 

Red Cross Nurses, (4, 6, 8, as desired. 

Semaphora 

Old Gregory, the hag. 

Ann Gregory, her ward. 



SYNOPSIS OF SCENES 
ACT I. Mrs. Brainerd's sitting room. 
ACT 11. Interior of Old Gregory's hut 



©GID 5639*^ 



' ^>j^ I 



The Hidden Name 



ACT I. 

(Mrs. Brainerd's sitting room, cozily furnished.. 
Doors R. arid i.. As curtain rises, Gladys is at telephone,, 
center table, while Violet is sitting beside table in rocker. 
Shirley asleep in big chair tvith her back to audience.) 

Gladys — (talking in telephone) I'm awfully sorry, 
but what could we do, Ted ? If Auntie wouldnH let us go, 
how could we help ourselves? '• * Of course Violet 
and I are just as heartbroken over the affair as you two 
are. If we had been our own bosses, we would have gone 
to the dance tonight, without any hesitation. ^' * 
We certainly did have to obey. " '• Aunt Hattie is 
our guardian and her word is law. • "' No, I never 
thought of that. You mean tonight, now? " "■" It is 
nearly ten o'clock. •'' Why. Ted, I don't know. I 

hardly dare. '^ ■'" I am a sport. I do dare call 
my soul my own, only — ^ "" 1^11 ask Vi. Yes, I'd be 
crazy to, if Auntie wouldn't get wise. " '"' That gives 
us only fifteen minutes, but we could do it if we didn't 
need to dress extra, '-^ ■^" All right. Goodbye. (Puts 
down receiver; turns to Violet.) 

Violet — What's the news, Gladys? Fm dying to 
know. 

Gladys— B.ow'& your sporting blood? It's the jolliest 
scheme ever invented. Listen: Ted and Bill are planning 
to go on a hay-ride tonight with the Jolly Club, and we 
are to go with them. 

Violet— Oh, rats i Gladys. What's the use of talking 
about hay-rides when Aunt Hattie wouldn't even let us go 
to a simple little dance with the boys this evening. Fat 
chance we'll have of getting out of the house tonight. 
(Yawns.) It's bed for us, I'll say. 

3 



-4 The Hidden Name 

Gladys^-Vm not so sure of that. Don't show the 
white feather until you hear the plan. We are going to 
bid Auntie goodnight, go to our Dedroom, and slip out of 
the house 'inknown to anyne. 

Violet "Kow will we ever get in again? 

Gladys — The boys know where to get a ladder, which 
will reach to our window. V/e'Il have the time of cur 
lives, and rao one will be the wiser. 

Violeit — Where will the hay-cart be? 

Gladys — Bill will be waiting at the oak tree with his 
new runabout. He says he'll break the speed laws for 
once, to get us there m time. The hay-ride party leaves 
from Barro, in about thirty minutes. How does that ap- 
peal to you ? 

Violet — It's too wonderful to be true! Would you 
really dareV 

Shirley — (coming forward to center) I'm. sorry, 
girls. I couldn't help overhearing your plans just now. 

Gladys — For goodness sakes, Shirley, where do you 
come from? 

Violet — A Jine cousin you are, to waste your time 
spying upon us. 

Shirley — Hardly that, Violet. Having fallen asleep 
over my book, you surely v/iil not blame me for waking 
up just in time to hear some of your plans. Of course, I 
don't know all that you have arranged, but common sense 
leads me to believe th;it you actually intend to leave the 
house tonight without Aunt Hattie's consent. Since you 
were not allowed to go to the dance with Bill and Ted. I 
presume that it is with them that you are planning to go 
now. 

Gladys —Well, you judge correctly. What are you go- 
ing to do aoout it? Squeal on us? 

Shirley — I hope that I am too goo<i a scout to tell 
tales out of school. Our club motto is to be friendly and 
helpful. I know that you wouldn't consider my giving 
away that information a friendly act. 



The Hidden Name S 

Violet — If that is your motto, I'm delighted to hear 
of one good feature in this blessed girl scout business. 

Shirley — (Laughs merrily) There are other good 
points, too, Violet. Girls, don't be foolish. You may- 
think it's sport to creep out at night, to go whizzing 
through the country at fifty miles an hour, taking your 
life in your hands a thousand times in as many minutes ; 
joining a group of hilarious, reckless young folks romp- 
ing in a hay team; getting back in the early hours of the 
morning, heavy-eyed and disheveled. That may be your 
idea of a good time, but it isn't that of an sensible, right- 
minded girl. 

Gladys — It gets my goat to hear you talk, Shirley! 
Really, we don't care what you consider a good time. You 
are rather frumpish about your good times, anyway. 
I.'on't listen to her, Violet. She is a Puritan, a milk-sop. 
She is fanatical. We are ni.odern young Americans, are- 
n't v/e, Vi ? We'll do as wo please. 

Shirley — You do represent a certain type of Ameri- 
cans, to be sure. And so do I, of a different order. We'll 
not discuss that, please. Just consider Aunt Hattie's 
feelings when she discovers that you have gone out with 
two men of whom she particularly disapproves. 

Gladys — But how will she find out if you don't tell? 

Violet — Y^ou said you wouldn't. 

Shirley — No, I'll keep my word, and won't tell. But 
she will find it out, I know. 

Gladys — Let her, then. Come along, Vi. The boys 
won't wait forever. 

(Gladys and Violet go toivards right door.) 

Shirley — Please, Violet — Gladys — 

Gladys — (pushing Violet out of door) We have wast- 
ed enough time. Hustle ahead, Violet. Remember, dear 
saint Shirley, we have your word for silence. (Exit.) 

(Shirley, alone, looks arcund her in perplexity and 
despair.) 



S The Hidden Name 

Shirlerj—'WhSLt can I do? The girls must be saved 
from themselves, from their own impulsive actions. But 
there is nothing that I can do. My hands are tied. (Paces 
vp and doion; stops suddenly.) Surely, as a girl scout, I 
can find a way, som.e plan to rescue them from their 
foolish, unwise impulses. (A faint knock is heard.) Can 
that be the boys already? (Goes to door l; no one there. 
She looks jut, closes door, returns to center.) I must 
have been dreaming. (Other knocks, more distinct. She 
goes to wiv.dov), pulls up shade, looks out.) Is anyone out 
there? I'm sure someone was knocking. (Silence.) 
Strange, my ears cannot be deceiving me. (Third knock, 
Shirley disgusted.) Well, enter, whoever you are. You 
are welcome to come in. 

(Slowly, out of center of stage, just behind table, 
where she has been hidden, rises the Girl Scout Spirit^ 
She is gowned in gauzy brown. Soft music. Spirit dances 
lightly around room. Banco may be prolonged to suit 
director.) 

Shirley— Am I dreaming, or are you real? 

Spirit — Both, my dear, or rather, neither. Behold 
the Girl Scout Spirit, at your service. (Bows low.) 

Shirley — (Salutes.) This is indeed a new experience^ 
I am glad to meet you, fair spirit. Won't you rest here 
awhile? 

Spirit — Dear, no! I never rest. I am a spirit, ever- 
moving, ever-living, vital. Forgive my conceit and accept 
my confession. I am growing so important that I exist 
everywhere from the Atlantic ocean to the Pacific; from 
icy Greenland to balmy Florida. In every state of the 
union, you will find the Girl Scout Spirit. 

Shirley — Do you offer your services to all who are in 
trouble ? 

Spirit — Aye, to all. But my time is limited. You 
must tell me your needs at once, for I cannot linger indef- 
initely. Do you require my aid? 

Shirley — Not for myself; for my cousins who live 
here with my aunt and myself. Tonight they wished to 



The Hidden Name ' 7 

g'O to a dance with two friends whom my aunt strongly 
opposes. Disappointed, they are now planning to slip out 
xor a midnight ride, unknown to my kind aunt who loves 
them dearly, and whose heart will be broken if she learns 
of their deceit. Won't yoi^ please help me to keep them 
here, to prevent them from carrying out their ridiculous 
Intentions? 

Spirit—They coiild be forced, but it is not a good 
scout practice. Let us try to persuade them to follow the 
right road. Miss Shirley, don't worry. I have come pre- 
pared, with my six aides, for such a*^ task as this. It is 
our m.otto, you know, to be prepared, and you find me so, 
just as I find you, ''doing your duty to God, to your coun- 
try; helping other people at all times, and obeying the 
laws of the scouts." 

Shirley — You will prevent their going? Oh, I thank 
you. 

Spirit—Nay, 1 am prepared to attempt a persuasion, 
that is all. There is a possibility of failure. 

Shirley— J beg of you, don't fail this time. 

Spirit —Human nature is irrational and perverse. 
One can be sure of absolutely nothing in dealing with the 
creatures of humanity. All that I can promise is to do my 
best. Go to bed, Shirley, my dear and don't worry about 
your cousins. You are transferring your duty to an ab- 
ler and more skillful hand. 

Shirley— li you wish me out of the way, I'll go, 
though I hate to leave all care to you. Good night. Girl 
Scout Spirit. Your prom.ise, limited as it is, has made me 
very happy. (Salutes, Exit R,) 

(Soft music. Spirit dance repeated in a few of the 
fgures. Spirit slowly sinks out of sight in the placd 
where she appeared. Lights go out. After several sec- 
onds the dcor R. slowhf opens. Enter Gladys stealthily.) 

Gladys— (softly) Sshh! Don't make a sound. They 
have all gone to bed, I'm sure. Come along, Vi. 

Violet — (Entering as Gladys tip-toes across stage) 
Are you sure Auntie won't find us out? 



8 The Hidden Name 

Gladys —Vm not sure of anything except that you are 
a 'fraid-cat and a scare-crow. Let go of my dress, Vi. 
You are holding rne back. 

Violet — I'm not touching you, Gladys Proctor; so 
there. It's you that's pushing me back into the hall. 
Stop at once, or I tvill go back in earnest. What are you 
trying to do? 

Gladys — Me? Putting all the blame on me, are you? 
I suppose you are not hanging on to my dress for dear 
life. Oh, no ! Wait 'til it tears ; keep on and it will rip 
in one second. There it goes ! Violet ! 

Violet — I'm not doing it. I'm no-where near you. 
It's something else that's pushing me. Oh! 

Gladys — Shh! You'll arouse the whole family with 
your hysterics. Haven't you any brains? If so, use 
them. Wait until I get a light. Can't do anything in the 
dark, anyway. (Tries to find light) 

Violet — (sobbirig) I'm afraid, I'm afraid. We'd 
better not go out. I don't like the night time, anyway. 
There are all sorts of strange creatures prowling around. 

Gladys —(turning on light) There! 

Both — (See aides for the first time. The six are 
posed around the room, forming a semi-circle around the 
tivo girls.) Oh! Oh! 

Gladys — (rubbing her eyes and staring) Who in the 
world are you? 

(Aides salute, form line across rear of stage, march 
a few steps forward during introductory music to their 
song. Gladys and Violet get out of way, on the side.) 

GIRL SCOUT SONG 

(May be sung to the tune of ''The Legend of the 
Bells," from the "Bells of Cornville." Each aide steps 
slightly forward as she sings her particular strain, step- 
ping back v:hen she finishes. During chorus, the mana^ 
ijer can plan special dancing steps, or merely a taking of 
hands, swinging hack and forth, etc.) 



The Hidden Name $ 

1. 

Tyanot— 

I am Tyanot, a girl scout very handy; 
Sailor, Captain, Hostler, use me every day. 

Lectra — 

And I'm Lectra Sygnal, messages I bandy, 

To the east and west, I send them on their way. 

Aida — 

With a case of gauze and medicines I wander, 
Using all my powers to doctor humans all, 
Over aches and pains I often have to ponder. 
''Help, oh, help, dear Aida Gauze," is what they 

call. 
Good girl scouts are what we are, one and all. 

CHORUS (All) 
Girl scout, girl scout, girl scout, ready to obey 
All the laws and bylaws each and every day. 
Loyal, truthful, helpful, friendly, cheerful, too. 
You'll be sure the girl scout her best will do. 
Good girl scout, good girl scout, good girl scout, 
Girl scout, girl scout, girl scout, 
Good girl scout, good girl scout, you'll be sure 

her best will do. 
Girl scout, girl scout, girl scout, ready to obey 
All the laws and by-laws each and every day. 
Courteous, kindly, thrifty, pure, obedient, too. 
You'll be sure the good girl scout her best will 

do. (Repeat last four lines.) 

Atheleta — 

Play a game of tennis, cricket or croquet ball, 
Swim a mile, or row, or paddle your canoe ; 

Betta — 

Eight good hours of sleep, you'll wake refreshed 

at scouts' call: 
Keep teeth clean, eat slow, and don't forget to 

to chew. 



to The Hidden Name 

Columbia — 

S'iute the coloi's boldly, be a proud girl scout, 
'Merican all through, just wave you flag on high. 
Let your country be so proud that folks will 

shout, 
When they see you coming, let them loudly cry,^. 
Let the message wing its way up to the sky. 

CHORUS 

(After song, ihe aides take former positions.) 

Gladys — (fretfully) I don't know what you are do- 
ing here, and as we have a previous engagement, I'm 
afraid we can't wait to find out. Call some other evening. 
Goodbye. (Starts across roovi.) 

Columbia — Wait! We came on purpose to see you,, 
and to keep you here. Forget your previous engagament,, 
for you are not going nway this evening ; you are not go- 
ing to disgrace the glorious flag under which you live. 

Gladys — W^ill you tell me how 1 can disgrace that 
Hag by going out ior a pleasant ride with the young folks 
this evening? I never heard a more ridiculous statement 
in all my life. 

Col — If you had your aunt's permission, it would be- 
another maiter. The United States wants its women ta 
be honorable and trustworthy. You would be neither if you. 
V;ere to go .iv/ay tonight in this fashion. 

Gladys— ^mce I am willing to take a chance, I can't 
see what possible business it is of yours whether I go or 
not. Come on, Vi. We can't stf>y here ail night. 

Col — (Blocks door %vith flag.) Not a step beyond 
this flag. 

Violet — Our dear cousin, Shirley, is always ranting- 
that the flag stands for freedom, liberty and justice. Do 
you consider that you are allowing us freedom and liberty 
by preventing our having a little pleasure? 

CoL— The liberty and freedom which this stands for 
is a higher, nobler kind than the freedom of the hour, 
which you crave. Do you think a country would permit 



The Hidden Name 11 

suicide and murder just so that weak-minded people 
might carry out their wishes unrestrained? The right 
kind of liberty is yours, girls, not a selfish, degenerate 
freedom. See this white. This stands for purity. The 
white in the flag must always mean that to you — ^purity. 
The red stands for valor, and the blue for justice. It is a 
pretty flag, as well as a noble one. Do you remember 
what George Washington said about it ? Years ago, when 
Betsey Ross made it with her own slender fingers, he re- 
marked, ''We take the star from Heaven; the red from 
our mother country; we separate it with white stripes, 
thus showing that we have separated from her. The 
v/hite stripes will go down to posterity representing lib- 
erty." 

Gladys — That is all very interesting. Of course, I 
see why you are doing so nmch talking. You are hoping 
to divert our mJnds, to keep us here until it is too late to 
keep our appointment. But you have lost out. Already 
you have delayed us enough. We shall leave at once. 

Col. — (paying no attention to Gladys) The present 
flag has thirteen stripes. These stand for the thirteen 
original states which formed the union. But in the cor- 
ner are 48 stars, one for each state now forming the 
United States. Did you ever wonder why there are five 
points to the stars instead of six? 

Violet — I learned that in school. It is because Bet- 
sey Ross v/ished it to represent the Seal of Solomon, 
which is the sign of infinity. 

Col — That's it — infinity, lasting forever, our beau- 
tiful tlag. You, two of our nation's young girls, must 
live purely, nobly, to be a pride to your country and her 
flag. 

Violet — Perhaps \we had better stay, Gladys. 

Gladys— We'll do no such thing. Our promise is giv- 
en, and naturally we nmst keep it. Don't have cold feet, 
Vi; good land! you haven't any more gumption than a 
ciam. Stay if you want. I shall go anyway. (Turns away 
ivith a flov.nce,) 



12 The Hidden Name 

Violet—Wsiity Gladys. Don*t leave me. I am not a 
clam. I'll go, of course, I'll go. (Takes her hand.) 

Aides — (spring around Gladys and Violet, form a 
circle hand in hand, sing song. May he sung to the tun& 
of the song of Serpeleite,, No, 9, in the chorus of serv- 
ants, Act I, Scene II, Belles of Cornville. Repeat 
once.) 

Oh, we will weave a magic spell, you can never breathe 

or tell. 
We wish you luck, we wish you well, as we weave, ding, 
dong, dell! . 

Ah 

Oh, we will weave a magic spell, you can never break 

and tell. 
We wish you luck, we wish you well, as we weave, ding, 
dong, dell. 

(Gladys keeps her ears covered. At end of song she 
goes to tivo of the aides and breaks clasp.) 

Gladys — ^Your chain is weak. I break it easily. 

CoL — We have no power but love. If there is no ten- 
derness in your heart you must follow your own road to 
destruction. 

Gladys — Destruction, rats! Ha, ha! As if I believed 
that trash. Come along, Vi. We are out for a good time, 
and refuse to listen to any more sermons. Make haste, 
my dear sister, or the pleasure will be beyond our reach. 

Violet — Had we better? Oh, Gladys, had we better? 

Gladys — Come, silly, don't stop and argue. I'm off! 
{Pulls Violet with her off L. Aides are dejected.) 

Tyanoi — Now, what shall we do? We dare not face 
the Spirit, after such a failure. She warned us that we 
must succeed. 

Gauze — Surely she will not blame us. Columbia did 
her best. 

Lecfra— Shall I send her a message of our failure? 



The Hidden Name 13 

Betta^'Why call it a failure? The girls' refusal was 
merely a stumbling block for us. Let us follow them. 

Atheleta — A splendid idea. Perhaps it will still be 
in our power to save them, 

CoL — (assuming command) Fall in. (They fall in 
line.) Alert. (They stayid erect.) Left dress. (Form in 
straight line.) Left. (Face left.) Scouts pace, forward 
march. (Start off h. on run.) 

(Soft .nusic. Enter Mrs. Brainerd from right.) 
Mrs. B. — Oh, Shirley! (Pause. Looks around.) I 
most certainly heard voices. Gladys? Violet? (Goes to 
center of stage, hesitates, takes paper out of envelope, 
which has been in hag she is carrying over wrist.) I can 
hardly believe that this is true. But it is, it is. I'm so 
glad for my girls. 

(Enter Shirley in a bathrobe.) 

Shirley — Were you calling me. Aunt Hattie? 

Mrs. B. — Yes, my dear. I want you and your cou- 
sins to come here, for I have received a most interesting 
bit of news, and I am like a child with a new toy. I simply 
can't wait till morning before telling of it. 

Shirley — (Pushes her gently into chair.) Make your- 
self comfy. I'll be back with the girls tout de suite. 
(Exit R.; 

Mrs. B. — Nice, sweet girl, Shirley. Perhaps the 
good luck will come to her, and if so, I for one will re- 
joice. But I am afraid that one of the other girls will be 
the fortunate child. It's alv/ays the way of the world — 
the least deserving get the plums. Ah, my dear. (Shirley 
appeal's at door R.) Did you arouse your cousins? Will 
they be here soon? 

Shirleij — {perplexed) Auntie, dear, I've been won- 
dering — perhaps — er — wouldn't it be better to tell me the 
good news ."irst, and call the girls here, later? They re- 
tired this evening feeling very unhappy about — 

Mrs. B. — Yes, my dear, I am fully aware of the fact 
that your cousins received my request to stay home from 



i^ The Hidden Name 

the dance with discontent and even churlishness. That 
is why 1 am especially anxious to impart the good news 
to them as soon as possible. I don*t want them to hate 
their Aunt Hattie. 

Shirley — (putting arm around her, vuhhing cheeks) 
They don't do that, you may be sure. Tell me the secret 
first, dearie, and we will go to them later. A secret al- 
ways improves with the waiting. 

Mrs, B. — How like your mother you are, Shirley, 
just as persuasive and winsome. Shirley, if only Gladys 
and Violet were like you, I would be very much happier. 

Shirley — They are all right in their way. Only they 
aren't scouts. They haven't chosen high enough ideals 
to live up to. Some day we will convert them into bona 
fide girl scouts, and you won't know them. 

Mrs. B. — (Sighs.) 1 hope that will be before I have 
departed this world. Such a surprising change would be 
a wonderful delight. 

Shirley — What is your news, Auntie? I am dying of 
curiosity. 

Mrs. B. — Do you remember your paternal grandfa- 
ther, Shirley? 

Shirley — Old Grandad Proctor? Yes, indeed, I re- 
member him, though rather vaguely. I was about seven 
>ears old when he went to live in South America. But I 
remember his hearty laugh and his sporting, valiant spir- 
it. He was a good scout, wasn't he, leaving his home and 
relatives without a whimper; starting off for a strange 
life in a new country and new environment at sixty years 
of age? T always admired Grandad Proctor. 

Mrs, B. — Well, he is dead, Shirley. 

Shirley — Oh, Auntie, I'm sorry. How terrible to die 
among strangers. Was he in need? 

Mrs. B. — No, my dear, he left an immense fortune. 
Everything he touched these last years turned to gold. 
Indeed, he was a veritable King Midas. 



The Hidden Name 15 

Shirley —For his sake I am glad. At least he had 
money to buy every comfort, and that means a lot to a 
sick person. 

Mrs. B. — This letter arrived today, and concerns you 
and your cousins so intimately that I decided not to wait 
until morning before giving you the news. I wished you 
to know about the good fortune inimediately. Which re- 
minds me (looks around) we ought to call the girls. 

Shirley — Read the letter to me first. 

Mrs. B. — (hesitating) Very well. I'll just read the 
most important bit of news. (Opens letter and reads.) 

"Mr. Proctor has left a large fortune, naming as his 
sole heir one of nis grandchildren who had evidently ap- 
pealed to him during his last few years in the states. Un- 
fortunately, the will itself was destroyed in a disastrous 
fire thai wiped out a part of the business section here in 
town, incidentally burning many of Mr. Proctor's papers. 
A copy of the will is now in my hands. It is legally sign- 
ed and witnessed, but when the signatures were written 
some careless person allowed a drop of ink to fall from 
the pen. Ar. the paper was merely a copy of the original 
will, no notice was taken of the blot. Now we realize the 
unfortunate circumstance of that blot, for it fell on a 
most critical spot. The will reads : 'My entire estate I 
leave unconditionally to — ' and then, there is a blot. The 
name that we are so anxious to decipher is directly under 
the blot, and we do not know which of the three young 
ladies, Shirley, Gladys or Violet, is the one referred to." 

Shirley — What a calamity! And how will the mys- 
tery ever be solved? It is just as well that you didn't tell 
the girls, Aunt Hattie. It would not please either of 
them to realize the fortune they had almost won, but 
didn't, quite. I suppose that the proDerty will go to some 
charity or to the state. 

Mrs. i3. — It will do no such thing, even if we should 
never find who was the real heiress, for most likely the 
|»roperty would be divided among the three of you. But 
vve shall find who is the rightful heir, for I — I, Shirley, 
hold the key to the situation. 



16 The Hidden Name 

Shirley — (laiiohing) Auntie, dear, you are very mys- 
terious and dramatic. Where is the key? 

Mrs. B. — In my private drawer, over there. (Nods 
zoivards rear.) 

Shirley — And what is the key made of? 

Mrs. B. — Paper. It is a sealed letter, sent to me by 
your grandfather, accompanied by a brief note request- 
ing me not to open the letter until after his death. He 
must have mentioned the letter to his lawyer, or perhaps 
the lawyer had advised him to send it to me. For in the 
communication I received today, the lawyer speaks of 
that epistle, saying that the name of the beneficiary is 
v-'ritten in the letter. I need only to break the seal to 
learn which of the three grandchildren shall inherit the 
estate. There. 

Shirhy — It is too much like a fairy story to be true. 
It's too v/onderiul to think that within a few brief mom- 
ents we shall learn that Violet or perhaps Gladys will be 
a famous heiress, with all the money to satisfy every 
whim and mood. 

Mrs. B. — Or you, yourself, dear. I sincerely pray 
that you will be the one to benefit by that will. 

Shir Ley — I? But that can't possibly be. Why, I 
wouldn't know what to do with so much money. 

Mrs. B. — Don't let the spending of it worry you. 
Money is an article that is easily disposed of. But don't 
count your chickens yet. Suppose we cease dreaming of 
what we might do, and investigate. (Takes key out of 
Iter hag. Goes to rear.) I hope, Shirley, my dear, that 
if you are the lucky little woman, you won't think of 
leaving your Aunt Hattie yet awhile. 

Shirley — (going to her and kissing her) I'll be with 
you forever, if you will let me stay. 

Mrs. B. — (Sighs.) Until some big man comes along 
and kidnaps you. 

Shirl ey — (L au g hs . ) N ever ! 

Mrs. B. — (trying to put key in lock) I declare, my 
hand is trembling, I am actually nervous. 



The Hidden Name 17 

^ Shirley—lV^ excitement. Why, I'm thrillinsr all over. 
While you are getting the precious document out, I'm go- 
:*ng to slip on a dress. It would never do to discover that 
I am an heiress, while gowned in my kimona. (Exit R.) 

Mrs. 3. — (fumbling in drawer, finally in exaspera- 
tion, takes out drawee and brings it forward to table, and 
looks through it excitedly. Shirley, at door, looks per- 
plexed. Mrs. B. looks up in frenzy.) Shirley Proctor, it's 
gone! 

Shirley— The letter? You can't mean that the let- 
ter is gone! (Goes forivard.J 

Mrs. B. — I do mean it. The envelope was on top of 
this pile. I saw it the last time I had occasion to open the 
drawer and — (stops suddenly). 

Shirley— WeXil 

Mrs. B. — It has been stolen ! 

Shirley — But who could have taken it? 

Mrs. B. — It is stolen, and what's more, I know the 
thief. 

Shirley — Oh, Aunt Hattie! 

Mrs. B, — I remember the day vividly. She was here 
the morning 1 was looking over the drawer, putting it in 
order, and hunting for some bills. 

Shirley — She? Whom do you mean? Not one of 
my cousins? 

Mrs. B. — No. A stranger, selling sweet grass mats. 
I bought one and had to leave the room for my purse. 
When I returned, she was sitting where I left her, but I 
can remeniber the expression on her face, even now. It 
comes back to me vividly: such a sneaky, treacherous 
look. 

Shirley — But are you sure that she took the letter ? 

Mrs, B. — That was the last time I opened the draw- 
er. When she was gone, the hour was late. You girls 
were due home, so I merely locked the drawer without 
doing any further work. When I had closed the drawer 



18 The Hidden Name 

upon her arrival, I distinctly remember seeing the letter 
on the top. Ob, I linow, I swear she took it. 

Shirley — Have you any idea who she is? 

Mrs. J5.— She called herself by a queer name. Old 
somebody or other — er — old Hickory — er — no — Gregory, 
that's it. A regular witch-like creature. 

Shirley — If she did take it, Auntie, what possible 
use could she make of it? How could she know its value 
when even you didn't know it ? 

Mrs, B. — (Covering eyes with hands) Oh, Shirley, 
I don't know, I don't know. My head is whirling. What 
shall I do now? 

(Girl Scout Spirit rises frovri center, waving hands.) 

Spirit — (moaning) Shirley, Shirley, Shirley! 

Shirley — (Turns away from aunt; sees Spirit) You, 
oh, why did you let them go when I trusted you ? 

Mrs. B — You can't blame me, Shirley, dear. I could- 
n't help her taking the letter. 

Spirit — Wilful, w^ayward girls, deliberately seeking 
their own destruction. Alas! Alas! 

Shirley — Tell me, has anything terrible happened? 
(Clutches at her.) 

Mrs. b. — (look inn tip arid not seeing Spirit) Are 
you going out of your head, child? Has anything hap- 
pened ? 

Spirit — On the narrow road. Deep ravine, rate 60* 
miles an nour; automobile skids, turns turtle — 

Shirley — Don't ! Don't say it ! I can't bear it. 

Mrs. B — (going to her side) Shirley (feels pulse) 
is the loss of the letter affecting yOur head? I didn't be- 
lieve that you would care so much about the money. You 
will get some anyway. 

Shirk y — (to Spirit) I think I can stand it now. 
i'ray go on. 

Spirit — ^They are not dead; only badly frightened, 
and perhaps injured a little. My aides are taking care 



The Hidden Name 19 

of them, so you need not worry. I felt it my duty to tell 
you though, and I want you to know that we did our best. 
Shirley — I must go to them. I shall go at once. 
( Starts for door.) 

Mrs. B. — Shirley Proctor (takes her hand) look at 
me. Are jou crazy? What does all this raving mean? 

Shirley — The Girl Scout Spirit is here, and has told 
me — 

Mrs. /•■. — You poor child, you are ill. Come, sit down. 

Shirley — I must go at once to my cousins. Auntie, 
can't you see the spirit ? 

Mrs. B, — You are delirious. Your temperature is 
rising rapidly. (Looks around anxiously.) Sit right 
down ; do dear. (Pushes her into chair.) Just a moment, 
dearie, sit still. I will ^et vou an asperin pill. (Rushes 

off R.; 

Shirley — Now is our chance. I must go to the girls, 
and yet, we must not betray them. Lead the way, good 
spirit. 

Spirit — And cause your aunt needless worry? 

Shirley — What else can I do? I cannot stay here. I 
know. I have an idea. Quick, a pencil. (Finds one un- 
der hook on table; finds paper; writes.) (Reads.) 

"Dear Auntie: Don't worry. I'll be back soon. All 
is well. The loss of the letter means nothing to me. I am 
going away to help someone else, and I shall be back as 
fcoon as I can be. Only you must trust me as you always 
have done. Yours, Shirley." 

There! Gome along. Show me the way. I'm off 
(Pulls Spint toivards door 'L.) 

CURTAIN 



20 The Hidden Name 



ACT IL 
(Interior of Old Gregory's hut. Doors right and left. 
In refir, cabinet vnth bottles, glasses, tray, etc. Several 
(Jiairs and table. Everything barren. Old Gregory is 
leaniyig over Ann ivho sits in chair center front. She isi 
eombing Ann's hair as she sings.) 

OLD GREGORY'S SONG. 

(Tune of "Old Black Joe.'') 

1. 

I have a plan ; get rich quick while you can, 

And I defy the law of any man. 

If you obey, and do just as I say, 

We'll both be owning limousines and silks some day. 

CHORUS. 
Hark, to me; obey me; and rich you'll surely be. 
If you will always follow your Old Gregory. 

2. 

Laugh truth to scorn, be glad that you were born ; 
Make clever plots from eve to early morn ; 
Seek for yourself, put others on the shelf, 
Do as I tell you, dearie, and you'll earn great wealth. 

CHORUS 

3. 

Don't scowl so black, you'll never learn the knack 
Of cheating others, giving them the sack. 
Clutch at tne gold, be dauntless and be bold. 
Trod down beneath your heels and grind the young, 
and old. 

CKOEUS 

Gregory — There, my dear, another such treatment, 
and you will suit the fussiest critic in existence. My 
word, but you look like a changed body. Your own moth- 
er, if she were alive, would not know you. 



The Hidden Name 21 

Ann — 1 wish you would tell me what all this fussing 
and prinking is leading us to. Old Gregory. I liked the 
natural color of my hair far better than this artificial 
shade. Besides the drops that you are putting in my 
eyes hurt me painfully. 

G^^eg. — Tush, tush! 'Tis little you are called upon 
to do; just to bear a bit of pain for an hour or so, and 
sitting in patience while I putter over your locks. Thmk 
of the reward that will be ours some day, my fine lady. 

Ann — That^s just what I've been waiting to hear 
about all these dreary days, which you never seem willing 
to tell me. What is the reward? What wicked scheme 
have you in your head, and how are you going to use me? 
There's a Umi^ to everything, even my patience. Old Greg- 
cry. V/hat is it ail about? 

Greg, — That I'll not tell ye, just now, my love. 'Tis 
my own secret, for the present, which I have no intention 
of imparting to you till I am good and ready. 

Ann — 1 hate your secrets, Old Gregory. They are 
never for good — only evil. 

Greg. — Ha, ha. ha! You could have known them 
well enough if you had behaved yourself. But, being such 
a conscientious good-for-nothng, eager to spoil every- 
thing by crying, *Ts it right, or is it wrong?" I'll keep 
mum about the v/hole affair till the time is ripe for gas- 
ing. 

Ann — ilonesty is the best policy. 

Greg. — Aye, so it is, so it is — for those who have 
plenty of kale, but not for such as I and you. 

Ann — {Rising and 'pushing Greg, away) Old Greg- 
cry, if you won't tell me why you have been working so 
industriously to change my appearance, you will nover 
touch my hair again. There ! 

Greg. — (Shrugs shoulders) You are getting peevish, 
Ann, and it is not becoming. Sure, and what would I be 
telling you for? You would hurry and blab, and spoil all 
the sport, just as you told tales to Farmer Brown, and got 



22 The Hidden Name 

me into a peck of trouble that cost me time and worry to 
get out of. 

Ann — Oh, how can you laugh and joke about that? 
You were planning to rob his orchard. I warned you 
against thieving. You refused to listen to me. Did you 
think I could stand such dishonesty in silence. 

Greg. — There ye go, and all I be doing was helping 
myself to a sack of potatoes and a box or two of apples, 
which I could use to great advantage to myself and you, 
too. 

Ann — That was theft. 

Greg, — Was it, now? Sure, I call it merely helping 
mj^self to what he had a surplus of, and I had nary a mor- 
sel. Whafs the harm in that? 

Ann — Oh, you are impossible. 

Greg. — Is that so, now? (Goes close to her, shakes 
finger in her face, as her mood changes from amusement 
to anger.) See here, Ann, you have got to cut out all 
this fine lady fiddaddlmg, this goody, goody manner, and 
get down to brass tacks and common sense. What's come 
over ye, all of a saddmt? It's "You won't take this and 
you won't do that," until I am nearly frantic with you. 
All because (imitates) "It doesn't belong to me, and I 
will not steal." Shucks! 

Ann — VYell, I won't. Old Gregory, I won't! 

Greg. — A nice time to be yapping, when all you have 
eaten for the last two months is stolen truck. 

Ann — I have done what? 

Greg.- — 'Tis just as I say; for two months now, ever 
since we came from South America, stolen grub has con- 
stituted our menu. How do you figure we have lived, my 
dearie? On air? 

Ann — My money? The five hundred dollars? 

Greg. — Yah ! Five hundred dollars ! Any one would 
think that such a rum was fortune enough to last a life- 
time. Five hundred dollars! When your mother and 
father died, and left you in Old Gregory's care, did you 



The Hidden Name 2S 

imagine you were a millionairess with your paltry five 
hundred dollars? 

Ann — No, but — you said it would keep us until we 
reached tne United States, and then I could find work. 
Oh, Gregory, you can't mean that every cent of it has 
gone. 

Greg, — Gone it is. We kissed it farewell long ago. 
Say, look here; what do you think paid the railroad and 
boat charges? Ann, child, why can't you be sensible? To 
think that I have been patting myself on the back for be- 
ing a good provider and clever schemer; and here ye be 
v/ith never a thank you for all my trouble and effort. Oh, 
la! 

Ann- -(Sinks into chair, face in hands) Thieves, 
dishonorable, disreputable thieves ! That's all we are. Oh, 
it will kill me. (Cries.) 

Greg. — (Picks tip ivhip; draws it across Ann's back) 
Blubber, blubber away. I'll give ye something real to 
whine about. I'll let ye starve, too, and it won't be long 
before ye come to my way of thinking, you brainless 
idiot. 

j^nn — (Springs to her feet) Never! I'd die before 
I eat another crumb of your ill-gotten stuff. (Starts off 
R. Groans are heard off L.) 

Greg. — Hist! (Both listen.) Some visitors, in 
search of Old Gregory's aid, me thinks. Get in there, Ann, 
and creep into bed. I'll not need you again till morning. 

Ann — Perhaps I can be of some assistance. It sounds 
as though some one were hurt. 

Greg.— Go in there. Do as I tell you, Ann, or I'll 
throttle you. (Goes toward her ivith whip, which she 
lashes in air. Aiin goes out R. Greg, waits until she is> 
gone, then clasps her hands as if delighted with prospects 
ahead. Outside, cries of ''Help.** She goes to door L. a7}d 
opens it.) 

Greg. — Come in, come right in. You poor dears. 
(Helps in Gladys, ivhose arm seems broken, followed bij 
Violet who groans every time she tries to loalk on one leg, 



;?-4 The Hidden Name 

loth disheveled and bloody) Whatever is the matter 
with the pretty ladies? 

Gladys — Our automobile skidded. Oh, my arm! It 
is broken, I know. Oh, oh! 

Violet —Vm fainting. Catch me! 

(Greg seizes her, leads her to a chair; she siiiks intdi 
it, near coVapse, moaning oAl the ivhile.) 

Gladys — If you will help me now. I can't seem to see 
straight. And I'm suffering just as much as Vi is, only 
she always puts herself forward and demands the most 
attenhion. 

(Greg, helps her to a chair.) 

Violet — Why Gladys Proctor, I do not. 

Greg. — (looking up interested) Proctor? (She 
smiles cunningly and strokes Gladys* hair,) Proctor? 
May yo'j5r ns^v^e be Proctor, young lady? 

Gladys — Yes. Oh, my arm! Haven't you a doctor 
anyv^'here near? 

Greg. — There, there. Til find one for you soon. 
Don't you worry. Say, are you the little Proctor girl? I 
do declare: you must be th^: young iady I've been looking 
for. I knew your grandfather who lived in South Amer- 
ica, dearie. 

Gladys — I don't care a darn about my grandfather,, 
or whether you knew him or not. I want a doctor. 

Violet — (crying) I'm dying! My head achos some- 
thing awf al ! 

Gladys — Oh, can it, Vi. There are others suffering 
just as severely as you are, who don't act like regvilar 
babies. 

Violet — Well, your arm may be broken, but m.y lep is 
broken, too, and my head is smast-.ed to pulp, in the bar- 
gain. 

(Greg, laughs slyly; goes to rear; gets medicine.) 

Gladys — You are just as selfish as you can be. I 
might have kno>\m how you would act in a critical mom- 
ent. 



The Hidden Name 25 

Violet — It is all your fault, anyway. You suggested 
the trip. If wc hadn't come, we would be safe in bed, 
asleep. This crazy plan that you suggested — 

Gladys — ^Violet Proctor, I did not! 

Greg. — (turning sharply) What? What's this ? An- 
other Proctor? Are you a Proctor, too? 

Violet — Yes, we are sisters. A nice sister she is, too. 
One to be real proud of. 

Greg.— Two Proctors. I must lock to see which oi^e 
— (Purses lips. Whistles thougiit fully.) I'll iix them 
both. It's safest and best. Quickest, too. (To girls, 
coming forward.) Here, my dears, (Goes to Gladys.} 
drink this, my poor darling. The pain will soon be gonO: 

Gladys — flakes glass, ^ymcll^, makes face.) Oh. what 
a horrid odor! Haven't you somctning that I could take, 
that smells better? I can't drink this. 

Greg. — Now, now, of cour;?Q you can. Just one swal- 
low, and the pain will take wings and ily away. Think of 
the hours of agony oefore you if you refuse to drink, 
while one sip of this, pnd presto! peace, to awaken free 
from all suffering. Quick, now, before I count three. 
One, two — 

(Gladys drinks hurriedly.) 

Gladys — Errrr! The nastiest stuff I ever tasted. A 
glass of water, please. (Greg, shuijles off.) Anything to 
take the pain away, though, as you say, in spite of thvi 
taste. Why, Vi, the pain is going already. And the sun 
is coming out. 

Violet — Sun in the middle of the night? What non- 
sense. 

Gladys — (smiling foolishly) There are a lot of fun- 
ny bugs running all around me. They are going by ma- 
chinery. Bugaeroplanes ! Say, Vi, Pm going to get up 
on one. just for a lark, and be a lark myself. That's a 
pun, sis, I'll have to remember to tell that to Shirley, to 
see if she will crack a smile over it. I'm going now, whiz,, 
up — up — up — (falls back in chair, unconscious.) 



^6 The Hidden Name 

(Violet leans forivard, zvatching Gladys in horror; 
looks around to see Greg, at her elbow ivith another 
.gloss.) 

Greg, — Drink this, my love. 

Violet — I won't. I want to go home, 

G^^eg, — Drink this! 

Violet — (Hits glass,) I want my Aunt Hattie. I 
won't drink that horrid stuff. It will make me like 
^Gladys. I'm going home. (Tries to stand on broken leg) 
■Oh, I must, I must try — 

Greg. — (Takes her by the shoulder and pushes her 
down.) Sit down and listen to me, girl. You are not go- 
ing away. Get that idea out of your head at once. Fate 
"turned your faces this way, and you can just l^elieve that 
I intend to hold fast to j^ou both. I know something 
about the Proctors. Before you came I had a little plan — 
been scheming for the last three months in fact, to get 
:ahead of you folks in a private deal. Now, with you both 
here, under my control, I am certain sure of success, 
such as I hardly dared hope for before. Until my scheme 
develops successfully, you shall be held prisoners. 

Violet — Can't I go home, ever? 

Greg. — You cannot go home until I get ready to send 
you. (Gets rope, winds it around Vi and chair, until she 
is securely tied in.) I'll bind you securely, my lady. 
Don't fret about that. 

Violet — (Leans back helpless,) Oh, why didn't I 
listen to Shirley? 

Greg, — So you were told not to go galivanting around 
the country, was ye? 'Tis a good punishment, then, a 
just desert, to have fallen into my eager fingers. Ha, ha ! 

(Violet groans and tosses,) 

Greg, — Perhaps you had better tell me how it hap- 
pened, to ease your mind a bit. 

Violet — I can't tell you just what did happen. Ev- 
erything happened so fast that my memory is in a maze. 
There was a sharp turn in the road, the rear wheels skid- 



The Hidden Name 27 

ded, and over we went, down, down. Gladys and I man- 
aged to crawl out from under the debris, and we were 
looking for the boys, when we heard the voices of people 
approaching. It was a rescue party, and since we did not 
want to have our presence advertised around town, we 
crept into the bushes and hid. They soon found the boys 
--oh, I do hope they are not dead — and we managed to 
pull ourselves up to the road and along it until we saw 
the lights of this cottage. Won't you please, please, let 

us go home? 

• 

Greg. — We'll discuss that point in the morning. 
This is no time to be traveling over the country, with the 
two of you dead tired and sore, I'll be leaving you now, 
to sleep a bit. That's what ye need, rest. (Feels ropes.) 
Ye'll not get away. To make sure of Miss Gladys, I'll tie 
her up a bit, too. (Does so. Wlien satisfied, she turns- 
Toward rear, and then to Violet again.) Ye won't have a 
sip of cordial? 

Violet— Oh, no! 

Greg. — Very well. I guess you'll do while I drowse 
a few hours. 'Tis a busy day 1 11 have ahead of mo, so- 1 
must rest while I may. A w-ell- deserved rest indeed, 
(Hums as she hobbles out.) 

Violet.— (Sobs.) Oh, dear! Oh, dear! If I were 
only back in my own room! I'd never, never, run away 
again. Why, I'd never make fun of Shirley and her 
scouts, but ask l:-er to tell me more about them. Perhaps 
she'd let me be one, if I tried hard enough. The scouts 
always seem to know what to do in an emergency. If I 
were a scout, I might be able to do something myself. As 
it is, I am perfectly helpless (Bugle call, assembly; door 
opens L. Enter six scouts, singing girl scout chorus, hands 
on shoulders, one after the other. Marcli around until 
through singing. At conclusion, they stard behind the 
chairs in v/tiich the girls are. Hold salute.) 

Violet — You came — to help me? 

All — A girl's scout pled^re: To do my duty to God 
and to my country; to help other people at ail times; to> 
obey the laws of the scouts; to be prepared. 



28 The Hidden Name 

Violet— 'V\'oviid you help me, after I had been so un- 
gracious? You don't know all -^he mean things I've said 
about you. If you did, I know j cm wouldn't care to lielp 
me now. 

Tyanci — You don't know everything, my dear. We 
have come for the sole pur;/nse of helping you. I guess 
we had better get busy. There is no time like the pres- 
ent. My name is Tyanot. Perhaps you remember m.e. 

Violet — (iveakhi) She tied lots of knots. 

Tyanot — (eocamimng them,) They are the wrong 
kind. These knots are of little use. They slip at the 
slightest pull ,( Starts untying.) 

Violet — Are there different kinds of knots? 

Tyanot — Of course there are. A dozen or two. But 
the scouts make use of only a few. Let me send for the 
lieutenants. 

(Goes to door at U Calls. As she does Reef, Sheets 
bend, Clove Hitch, Boivline, Fisherman's Sheepshank run 
in, dressed in brown; legs, arms, etc, bonrA with narrow 
strips of broivn cloth. Littlest girls preferred. They boiv. 
Tyanot motions them to help untie the knots on both tha 
girls.) 

Reef — (stepping forioard.) A reef knot is one that 
is used in tying reef points. When a sailor wishes to take 
in a sail, to adapt the sail to the force of the wind, there 
are ropes or points along the sail which he ties down. The 
knot he uses must be a sure one, and lirm. It must not 
slip, so he uses the reef knot. To join two ropes in such 
fashion as to render it non-slippable and yet easily untied 
when wanted. This is a reef knot, or, as it is sometimes 
called, the square knot; the only knot used in first aid 
work. It j's made. thus: (Demonstrates. Returns to rear 
with bow.) 

Bowline — (advancing) A bowline loop is one that 
v^ill not slip after the first grip. It is often used as a 
halter for horses. It is made thus: (Demonstrates and 
returns to rear.) 



The Hidden Name 29 

Sheetbend — (advancing) Here is a rope an inch 
thick and here is one hardly half an inch in diameter. We 
want to connect the two ropes of different sizes. To do 
£0, a sheetbend knot is used, thus: ( Demonstrates; re- 
turns to rear.) 

Clove-Hitch — Which is the knot most popular with 
the pioneers? W^hat knot do they use when fastening 
ropes to poles? The one knot that be satisfactorily used, 
the clove-hitch, which, when pulled tight, will not slip 
either up or down. The clove-hitch is a temporary fas- 
tening, quickly made, speedily unmade. Here is a sample 
of its use. (Demonstrates; returns to rear.) 

Sheepshank — Never cut a rope unless it is absolutely 
necessary. If you need or wish to shorten the line, the 
^uy rope of your tent, an anchor rope or clothesline, use 
the sheepshank knot, not the knife. It is made in this 
manner. (Demonstrates^ returns to rear.) 

Fisherrnan's — (advancing) The fisherman's knot is 
used by the fishermen when they make up their nets in 
^^hich they catch fish. The nets are large and contain 
thousands of the knots, which are made thus. (Demoyi- 
strates.) 

All Kriots — (advancing) Six of us, known to all 
good scouts! Au revoir. (Bow, put hands on shoulder 
of knot in front, in line, run lightly off L.) 

Tyanot — There you are, girls, you are free. (Throws 
last piece of rope off.) How does it feel, Violet? 

Violet— Thaink you, ever so much. You are so good 
to me. (Tries to rise; sinks hack iyi chair with groan. \ 
My leg! Oh! I had forgotten all about it in my terror 
of being bound up by that old hag. Oh ! 

Tyanot — My work is accomplished, my dear. You 
shall now be put in the care of Aida Gauze and the Red 
Cross Scouts. I can no longer assist you. (Salutes, and 
goes hack.) 

Aida — advancing and putting her arm around Vio- 
let) Don't worry, dearie. You will soon be well. 



so The Hidden Name 

Violet — I have been verj^ selfish, Miss Aida Gauze,, 
but I'm going to try not to be -any longer. I'll start right 
off now. Will you please leave me, and go to Gladys? 
She is in more urgent need of you than I am, so I'd rath- 
er wait till after you have examined her. I guess I shall 
be able to «tand the pain for a while. 

Aida — That is tlie way a girl scout would talk. 
Bravo! Now, Fli tell you a secret. I can attend to you 
both at once so, there need be no painful v/aiting. M/ 
assistants are most anxious to hdp. I'll just take a pe&k 
at Gladys (SmeMs of her mouth. Loolcs around; sees 
cilasy< Greg has 7'sed, fmells of it. Shakes head.} Poison J 
The antidote for that particular poison is raw eggs or 
mustard water. < Turns.) Betta Health, will you pillage 
Old Gregory's pantry for eggs? In the meantime, (feels 
Gladys' arm) a broken arm, er — um — splint, bandages, 
hot water, linament, antiseptics. (Goes to Violet, feels 
of her leg.^ More splints, bandages, soft cloths. Do you 
hear me, aides ? 

R. C. Nurses — (oij in distance) We hear. We obey. 

Aida — (Putting hand on Violet's head) Close your 
eyes, vaj dear, while my able assistants use their nimble 
tmgers and their first-aid knowledge. They are fast ap- 
l-roaching, prepared to work. 

Viohnt — I do not hear them. 

Aida — They wr»rk silently but well. Suppose I ask 
themi to sing while they labor. 

(Soft mtisic. Enter Red Cross Girls, clad in nurses" 
costnm.es, one carrying basin, to icosh Gladys' head, an- 
tether with bandages, one to vnt splint on Gladv.s, one for 
Violet, one gets antidote ready for Gladys, etc. Each one 
has a special task. While they ivork, one girl sings, th^-: 
rest joining in the chorus. Any song may be used, pref- 
erably about nursinrf. Would suggest something in th*', 
line of ''She Wears a Cross Upon Her Sleeve.'* Betta and 
Aida go from one girl to another, helping, advising by mo- 
2 ions. At end of song, br^ndcaps all on, Gladys sitiinq up. 
Aida and Betta salute, the Bed Cross Girls have tiptoed/ 
out.) 



The Hidden Name 31 

Gladys — (dazed) Oh, dear, oh, dear! What a hor- 
rible dream I have had: a terrible nightmare. (Opens 
eyes v.nde in wonder. ) Violet, where in the world are we ? 

Violet — Don't be disturbed, dear, and don't you wor- 
ry the least little bit. We are all right. (Puts out a com- 
forting hand to Gladys.) 

Gladys — It wasn^t a dream. Every one of the hor- 
rors are real. We are prisoners and you sit there calmly 
telling me that all is right. Haven't you sense enough to 
realize that we are helpless? 

Violet— (calmly) We would truly be helpless if it 
were not for the Girl Scouts. As the matter stands now, 
we are deeply in their debt, for they have mended our 
broken limbs and set us free. 

Gladys — (scornfully) Oh, the girl scouts! 

Violet — Please, Gladys, dear, don*t talk that way. We 
have been very foolish, and I, for one, have learned a les- 
son through fright and pain that I am not likely ever to 
forget. What Shirley has always said is true, that a girl 
scout is the best friend a girl can have because she takes 
an oath to help people at all times, which these (points) 
brave friends have certainly done. 

Gladys — (seeing aides for the first time) Oh, I beg 
your pardon. I didn't know that you were here. If you 
are so all-powerful, why don't you take us home where 
v/e surely ought to be this very minute? 

Columbia — We are not all-powerful by any means. 
We are only human, you must remember that. It is not 
in our power to make your arm or leg better in a moment. 
The limbs are set in a proper manner, but nature will 
have to take her time in healing them. As for conveying 
you home, that is the problem now before us. You were 
not in a condition to be moved until just now. The girl 
scout Spirit's orders were to take care of you and wait 
for her arrival. 

Gladys — I hope we won't have to wait forever. 

Col. — (smiling kindly) Hardly that. 



0O 



The Hidden Name 



Violet — How will she know where we are? Or does 
she know already? 

Col. — No, she does not know. We must signal her. 
Lectra Signal, we must look to you to find some satisfac- 
tory way of signaling the Spirit. 

Lectra — That's a very simple task, Columbia. We 
have so many methods of signaling that our first move 
must be to decide which code to use. The simplest for us 
now, I think, is perhaps our whistle call of alarm. (Goes 
10 left, blows whistle alternately long and short.) If the 
Spirit hears this, she will know that we are in need of 
her. (Repeats whistle; door slams on right.) 

Col. — Old Gregory is coming. (Rapid movement. 
Gladys and Violet sink back in chairs, the aides throir the 
ropes over them as if they were tied as before, they run. 
to right hack, and crouch behind the door as Old Gregory 
opens it. Violet and Gladys act as if unconscious, amd 
firoan occassionally.) 

Greg. — (Stands at door; looks around with seoivl.J 
What noise is this I hear? Eh? (Looks. Everything 
silent. Still groaning, be ye? (Cackles.) I reckon Old 
Gregory fixed ye safe, and 'twas yer moans and her 
dreams that alarmed her. Sleep on, fair damsels, tomor- 
row there will be worse coming to you, for ye will no 
longer be Proctors until my pretty Anne is put in yer 
place and gets the m.oney that should rightfully be com- 
ing to ye. When we have gone far away with the money, 
ye can go free, and not till then. Ha, ha, ha! (Shakes 
fist; shuffles off. Silence a moment.) 

Gladys — (Puts up her head.) Did you hear that? 
Money coming to us? Ann? Worse coming? What 
does she mean'' 

Violet — I don't care. She aoesn't mean anything 
feood, that's sure. Please, dear scouts, won't you help us 
to escape? Just help us to get home, that's all Pll ever 
ask for. 

Lectra — I'll trj^ another signal; this time a silent 
one. (Goes to center of stage, hands in cup-shape form' 
io her lips. She calls softly.) Semaphora, Semaphora! 



The Hidden Name SS 

(Sema. runs in from L.) 

Sema, — ( saluting ) Here, Lectra Signal. 

Lectra — We wish to send an emergency call to the 
Spirit. Will you arrange it for me? 

Sevia- -The sun has not yet risen. Twill be diffi- 
cult to make anyone see our signals in the darkness of 
night. (Thinks,) Wait. I have an idea. (Gets candle 
and candlestick off. mantel or table in rear.) Lectra, I 
shall need you to hold this lighted candle (Lights it,) 
this side of the window shade, and I will step between the 
light and the shade. See, my shadow is cast upon the 
shade. How is that? A lamp or bulb would give a clear- 
er shadow, but we must be satisfied with what we have. 

Violet — It's like a game of silhouettes. 

Sema. — We are oyi a hill, and the vjindoiv is exposed 
to the road. If any one is passing in this vicinity, she 
will surely see our actions. This is H — now E — now L — 
and P. I'll repeat this call for help several times. (Does 
so, S2')elling out letters during motions. Semaphora sig- 
7ials may be obtained from almost any Boy or Girl Scovt 
hook. Silence for a while, as they icait for an answerl 
inhich does not come.) 

Gladys — Supposing your Girl Scout Spirit doesn't 
happen to be passing this way? Suppose she hasn't been 
able to locate the cottage. Please find some other way to 
attract the attention of outsiders. 

Sema. —Certainly. I shall use my mirror, if you 
wish. Inaction is unbearable as such a time as this, I 
icnow. This method of signaling is much simpler when 
the sun is shining or there is a strong light. The candle, 
however, is better than nothing. I must arrange the 
candle so that the light will fall on the mirror which will 
cast off a ray toward the top of that tree out there beyond 
the window. (She arranges so that the candle's light is 
refracted in the mirror and cast through the ivindoir. 
This she flashes back and forth according to the code.) 

* H* ' E * L * P 

(Sends this several times.) We use the Morse code for our 



3J!t The Hidden Name 

mirror messages. (Repeats.) There's H, and E, L and 
P. See how the light from the mirror is striking yonder 
tree? An ordinary traveler might not notice the dancing 
lights on the tree top, but the Scout Spirit is ever on the 
lookout for Scout Signals, and will be sure to see, if she 
is anywhere in the vicinity. (Repeats. When half 
through, she halts.) Hark! I believe our call is answer- 
ed. (Repeats hastily.) 

(Enter Spirit ivith Shirley. ShirUy throws her arras 
around the two girls, while the Spirit silently praises her 
aides.) 

Shirley — Heaven be praised ! We have found you at 
last. 

Gladys — We don't dt^serve to be, we are such crazy, 
fciilly freaks who have no right to expect your sympathy 
in the least. 

Violet — I am so sorry. 

Shirley — We will forget and forgive all around. The 
first necessity is to hurry you girls home to a warm bed 
and a few luxuries. You poor dears ! Come, let's hurry. 
Auntie will be worrying her heart out by this time. 

Gladys — Wait a moment, Shirley. Before we leave 
this place, you ought to be told about the old wom.an who 
took us prisoners, and who has threatened us, 

Violet— Ohy Glad, let's get out without saying an- 
other word. She might come in again, and I for one 
never want to see that ugly creature's face any more. 

Gladys — Nevertheless, I think Shirley ought to be 
told about this Anna something or other who is going to 
get the money that should rightfully come to us. It is ail 
Greek to me, but there must be some meaning in what 
that old hag said. 

Shirley — (gripping Gladys^ arm) Tell me, Gladys, 
tell me all you know. What is the woman's name? 

Gladys — Old Gregory. 

Shirley — Old Gregory! Then Aunt Hattie is right 
in her deductions. Girls, I must speak to Old Gregory at 
<.nce. 



The Hidden Name S5 

Yiolet—O'h, don*t, Shirley! She is something awfuU 
believe me! It isn't safe to take any chances meeting^ 
her. 

Gladys—Yow had better be careful. She's a regular 
witch. 

Aides — (iv. line, salute) We are here. 
Shirley— "Vh^-vli^, my friends. I know that you will 
stand by me. Piease wait while I look around a little. 
(Exit Pw,i 

Gladys— (restlessly paces) I do hope that no harm 
will come to her. 

Spirit — There is no need to worry. 
Gladys — I hope not, for I have just found out that 
Shirley is far more hum.an than I had ever imagined her. 
Violet— '^YiQ is lovely, that's what she is. We have 
been perfect ninnies, acting as we have. 
Gladys — I wish she would come back. 
Spirit — She is eomirg. 

(Shirley enters uith A.nn, tvho is dazed and looks^ 
around in awe. SMrley keeps her hand on Ann's.) 

^t2i2— Why, you are a girl scout! Now, I am sure- 
that my silent plea to be rescued is answered. 
Shirley — Who are you, my dear? 
Ann— My name is Ann Himter, and I lived in South 
America until my parents died, and old Gregory took the 
money they left for me, and insisted upon my accompany- 
ing her here to the United States. 

Shirley — Where is Old Gregory now? 
Ann — In her room, next to the one I v/as in. 
Shirley— (to scouts) See that she does not escape. 
We shall have need of her later on. Now continue your 
story. (Aides slip off R.) 

Ann She never explained her plans to me, but I 

know thev were dishonest through and through. She was 
nurse to an old man who dfed bequeathing a large fortune 
to his niece. Old Gregory found out all about the will. 



36 The Hidden Name 

and came here to America, intending to substitute me 
for the rightful heiress. That, I believe, is the reason 
why she dyed my hair and tried in many ways to alter my 
appearance. 

(Enter Aida,) 

Aida — Old Gregory has disappeared. 

Shirley — Gone! Oh, dear me! We must find her. 
She has the letter which we absolutely must find. 

Ann — Perhaps T can help. I know of a place in the 
woods where she often hides, after her pillaging trips. It 
is very difficult to find the cave unguided. Perhaps I had 
better go with you, to direct the way. (Exit with Aida, 
off L. Aides follow.) 

Gladys — What is all this mysten^ about *? Are w»b 
really going to be rich ? 

Shirley — One of us girls is. The question is which 
one. It cannot be answered until we find the letter writ- 
ten by Grandad Proctor, in which he states the name of 
the grandchild who will inherit his fortune. At present, 
our fate is in the hands of Old Gregory, in whose posses- 
ion is the precious letter. 

(Noise outside. Enter aides, Ann and Old Gregory, 
who is a prisoner.) 

Greg. — (Defiantly) Well, ye'll not get a word out of 
me. Fm mum. Ye can't make me talk, you fresh young 
imps. 

Ann — (shaking her) Where is the letter belonging 
to the Proctors, Old Gregory? 

Greg. — (Laughs scornfully) Ha, hat Don't ye know 
me better than to ask me that, Ann? I wouldn't tell ye, 
if ye were to torture me to the death. 

Shirley — Perhaps you would consider selling the let- 
ter to us. We would pay vou well. Will you let me buy 
it? 

Greg. — Not yon, I should say not. Ye white-livered 
saint! Be gone from me v/ith your ridiculous offers. My 
lips are sealed. 

Gladys — You old witch, you shall be forced to tell. 



The Hidden Name $7 

Greg.—'RQt he, he! And who will do the making? 

Gladys — Shirley, she bound us to these chairs and 
tortured us with poisons and threats. Why shouldn't we 
do the same to her, especially as she richly deserves all 
the puiiishm.ent we can inflict? Let's keep her tied up 
until she tells where she has hidden the letter. 

Greg. — Go ahead. Go ahead, little folks. Ye canH 
frighten me any. 

Shirley — Verj^ well. Come, good scouts, to our as- 
sistance. 

(They bind Old Greg, to the chair, who chuckles all 
the while as if enjoying herself. When task is completed 
the aides are ivith Spirit in rear.) 

Shirley — The next task on the program is to send 
for Aunt Hattie. She really ought to be here, under the 
circumstances. And Ann, you are exhausted. I shall take 
you back home with me, while Gladys and Violet shall 
mount guard here. Take good care of her, girls. Don't 
let her escape, on your life. 

Violet— YoM won't be long? 

Shirley — No longer than fifteeii minutes, if all goes 
well. 

Exit left, all but Old Greg., Violet and Gladys.) 

(Gregory chuckles, sings, chuckles again, seems to 
he enjoying herself. Violet sits in another chair, tired 
out. Gladys paces up and doivn.) 

Gladys — (impatiently^ Oh, for goodness sakes, 
keep quiet! (Greg, makea face at her.) Any one would 
think that you considered this the best of good jokes. 

Greg. — It is, my dear, it is. (Laughs hilariously.) 

Gladys — On you, I guess. 

Greg. — Oh, no, my dear, on you. 

Gladys — Say, Vi, I can't stand her a moment long- 
er. If you don't mind, I'll go look up the road for the 
folks. 

Violet — Don't leave me for long. I'm afraid of her. 

Greg.— Hear] Hear! (Laughs.) 



S8 The Hidden Name 

Gladys- — I won't be out of hearing at any time. Call 
me if you need me. (Eo:it L. Greg, still chuckles, Vio-- 
let looks despairingly at her and gives long sigh.) 

Greg. — (Scretvs face in wink.) Sh! Hey, you! 

Violet — What do you want? 

Greg. — Do you like pretty dresses, eh, little girl? 

Violet — Of course I like pretty dresses. All girls do. 

Greg. — I thought so. And lovely jewelry, eh? 

Violet — Who doesn't? I guess we all do. 

Greg. — And an automobile all to yourself, and a 
grand house with servants in plenty, and lots of beaus — 

Violet — What are you driving at? 

Greg. — Money will buy all those things — and more, 
many more. 

'Violet — Every one knows that. You don't need to tell 
me. I have no money. 

Greg. — You could have. 

Violet — Yes, perhaps, if the letter is found — 

Greg. — And perhaps, more likely, if the letter is not 
found, but is destroyed. 

Violet — What do you mean? 

Gre.g.— Suppose the fortune of $200,000 is left to 
Miss Shirley. What good would the finding of the letter 
do you? 

Violet — It will be very nice for Shirley. 

Greg. — But not for you, eh? Suppose the letter is 
riever found. The money will be divided into three equal 
parts, and you will receive your share of $70,000. That 
ain't to be sniffed at, let me tell you, my young lady. What 
do you think? 

Violet — Oh, no. Even that would be a fortune to any 
of us girls. 

Greg. — Do you get the idea? 

Violet — Perhaps I am thick, but I still don't under- 
stand what your suggestions are leading to. 



The Hiddeji Name 39 

Greg.^To this. I have the letter. I will harxd the 
letter over to you, provided you burn it. Also that you 
pay me $10,000 the day you receive your share of the 
$200,000. Isn't that fair? I plan a way for you to get 
$70,000, out of which sum you give me one-seventh. 
Without me, you would get nothing. 

(Violet stares straight ahead in silence.) 
Greg. — Well what do you say? Seems to me it 
takes you a purty long time to decide whether you want 
that fortune or not. 

Violet — (dreamily) $60,000 for me, and I am to give 
you the other $10,000 if I burn the letter. 

Gre^.— Yes? Yes? Well? 

Violet — (rising suddenly) This is my answer — that 
you are a wicked woman to try to tempt me into sin. Just 
when I have promised to be honest and trustworthy, too. 
You can keep the letter, you old witch. I'd rather do 
without the money and be a pauper, than a thief. (Limps 
cff left stage.) 

Greg. — (disgusted) Shucks! Piffle! I'm disap- 
pointed with that girl. I thought that she would surely 
have grit enough to accept my plan. No gumption, no 
daring! Ding bust ! ! ! (Tries to ptdl herself free) Who- 
ever tied these knots tied them well Ouch ! I can't make 
them budge a sixteenth of an inch. (Wiggles around.) 
Oh, my hands ! All the skin is like to be scraped off by 
the time I get freed. (Groans.) Shucks! Shucks! What 
a mess I've made of the wh<>Ie affair. When everjrthing 
seemed to be going along in my favor, too. 

(Enter Gladys; smiles at her from door.) 

Gladys — You can't get away .Old Gregory, so cease 
trying. How do you like being our prisoner? 

Greg. — None of your business. What's that to you ? 

Gladys — A great deal; more than you realize. Lis- 
ten. (Approaches her ivith caution: looks around to see 
that no one overhears.) Violet has just told me about 
the suggestion that you made to her — 



J^O The Hidden Name 

Greg,—Wem 

Gladys — Violet is a fool. 

Greg. — fSiis erect, eyes brightening ) Them's my 
sentiments exactly. Are ye such another? 

Gladys — Oh, no, indeed. Your scheme sounded 
mighty good and clever to me. A plan worth trying. Vd 
like sixty thousand dollars mighty well 

Greg. — (Chuckles) At last I've found a creature 
after my ov/n heart. You agree to give me $10,000 out of 
your own share? 

Gladys — Oh, yes, when T get it. But how will you be 
sure that I will keep my word ? 

Greg. — I'm not afraid, for if you go back on me, I'll 
squeal how you took the letter and destroyed it before m.y 
\e.Yj eyes. Then, 111 tell them, who is the rightful heir- 
ess, and you'll get nothing at all for your trouble. No, 
indeed, I ain't worrying that you won't pass over the 
cash. I've brains enough for that. He, he' 

Gladys -Then, if everything is satisfactory to you, 
and I agree, where is the letter? 

Greg, — Ye'll do as I say, now? Burn the letter in 
front of m.e here, and when ye get the dough, $10,000 be- 
longs to me. 

Gladys — (impatiehthf) Yes, yes, I said so, if your 
plans work as you hope. 

Greg. — They'll work. Listen, now. Walk to the cen- 
ter of rear wall. (She folloirs the directions Greg gives. ) 
Face front. Take four short steps forward. Kneel and 
tiip on floor until you hear a hollow sound. 

Gladys— (Taps., "> I have it. What next? Shall I 
pull up the plank, and how? 

Greg. — There is a chisel over in the box, in the cor- 
ner. 

(Gladys gets 'it arid returns to place on floor.) 

Greg. — Now pry up the board. 

Gladys — fDoes so.^ This is easy. Ah! Here is a let- 
ter in a box. (Holds it up.) This the one? 



The Hidden Name J^l 

Greg, — That's the one. Come, make haste. (Gladys 
takes her time about closing hole, returns chisel, finalh^ 
coming forward vjith letter,/ . 

Gladys — (Has match in her hand) I'll burn it at 
cnce. 

Greg. — Aye. the sooner the better for me. 
(Gladys lights letter and goes to rear.) 
Greg. — Let me see it burn, sfirl. I won't stand for 
any deceit. 

(Gladys turns around. She has placed letter on tray. 
They icatch in silence while letter burns,) 

Greg. — (after it is burned) Well, that's off my mind. 
You are a nice girl. Now, don't forget — 

(Enter Violet sloioly, liv^ping.) 

Violet — They are coming — Aunt Hattie, Shirley and 
all the scouts. 

(Voices outside.) 

Greg. — (to Gladys) Not a word» remember. This 
little secret is yours and mine, don't ye forget. Mum's 
the word. 

(All enter. Mrs. B. and Shirley come forward, the 
scouts with the Spirit remaining in the rear.) 

Shirley — (pointing to Greg.) Is this the woman. 
Aunt Hatfc. who stole the letter that was sent by Grand- 
dad Proctor to you? 

Mrs. B. — (looking at Greg.) The very one! Oh, you 
wretched thief, vhat have you done with the letter which 
you took from m.y private drawer? 

Greg. — I stole your letter, ma'am? 

Mrs. B. — Yes. Don't try to hedge and evade. I know 
positively tha^ you took it, the day you came to sell grass 
mats. Where is it? Tell me at once. 

Greg. — (defiantly) If T did take it, it is where you 
v/ill never find it, be sure of that. 

Mrs, B. — Explain yourself. 



42 The Hidden Name 

Greg, — Certainly, certainly. I have destroyed the 
document that you are so interested in. It is Vjurnt to 
ashes. 

(Gasp from the grovp. ) 

Mrs. B. — Oh, dear me ! What shall I do now ? I have 
failed in my tra?t, and v/ill never forg-ive myself. (She 
'weeps.) Failed, failed! 

Gladys — (going to Mrs. B., and pntting her arm 
around her neck.) Don't cry. Auntie. And don't believe 
one word this old woman says. The letter is not destroy- 
ed. Here it is. (Tahps 6 letter fr(nn her bosom.) 

Greg. — What ! 

All— Oh ! 

Mrs. B.— Oh, Gladys ! 

Gladys — She begged me to destroy it, stating that if 
I did, Shirley, who is the rightful heiress, would not re- 
ceive all that belonged to her, but that the fortune would 
be divided among the three of us. She first made the 
suggestion tc Violet, who tcld me about it. We planned 
this trick on her, to feign acquiescence, to burn a faked 
letter, and keep the real one for you. 

Mrs. B—lly dear girl! (Takes letter.) 

Gladys — I wr,s only doing what was right. We want- 
ed to show Shirley what good scouts we could be 
' Mrs. B. — (T^'.rns away to read letter.) 

Shirley — You certainly have done so, Gladys. I shall 
never be able to thank you enough for your generous act. 
But, listen, dear, you and Violet shall lose nothing by 
your honesty. I had already planned that if, by any 
chance, I was named the beneficiary, you would all share 
my good fortune with me. You, Violet, Aunt Hattie, and 
I, all to have equal parts. 

Violet — You would rej*lly ba willing to give three- 
fourths of your fortune away? 

Shirley— ^^0,000, will be sufficient to supply all my 
needs, thank you. Besides, there is no reason why I 
should be given the whole amount anyway. You both are 



The Hidden Name J^j 

as near relatives of Granddad Proctor as I am. 

Gladys—Th&nk you, thank you, Shirley, I can*t tell 
you — 

Mrs. B.— (looking up from, letter) Gladys, did you 
say that Shirley was to inherit the money? 

Gladys — Yes, Aunt Hattie. 

Mrs. B.— Who told you so? 

Gladys- -Old Gregory. Why, why, you cant mean 
That — that it isn't true — that she isn't — 

Mrs. B. — I mean just that. The name mentioned in 
the letter is not Shirley's, but — ^your own. 

Gladys— 1? I to inherit the $200,000? 

Violet — Dear me ? 

Shirley- -For your sake, I am very glad, dear. 

Mrs. B. — What a mix-up. You see, by your own loy- 
alty to your cousin, you win the entire estate for your- 
self. 

Gladys—fdazed) $200,000, all mine! 

Mrs. B. — Yes, Gladys. You are a rich woman, now. C 
do hope you will spend your money carefully^ and save it 
guardedly. $200,000 is quite a sum, and yet it is so easy 
to lose that much by imprudent handling. 

Gladys — Why, Aunt Hattie — Shirley — you don't be- 
lieve that I would keep the v/hole fortune for myself, do 
you? I can be just as good a scout as Shirley. If she in- 
tended to divide, so shall T. (Siezes letter and tears it to 
pieces.) There goes mv claim! We are all due for a 
windfall of $50,000 each. 

(Shirley seizes one hand, Violet the other. Aunt in 
rear, puts hf.r face close to Gladys*. Girl Scouts form cir- 
cle around them, and sing chorus as the curtain falls.) 

CURTAIN. 



MONO LOGS 

By SEYMOUR S. TiBBALS 

^HIS series of character monologs has provided 
^^ something funny, yet clean and wholesome, for 
the boy or man who wants a specialty along the 
lines of the professional monolog. They are espec- 
ially adapted for the olio of a minstrel show or as 
an individual number on a vaudeville program. 



Have You Ever Noticed That? A tramp 
monoioo;. 

Izzy's Troubles. For a Hebrew character. 

Waiting tor the Alabama Lou. A darkey 
talking net,, the speaker being a stranded 
minstrel. 

Be Keerful Si. A Rube monolog. 

As Oi Wuz Sayin'. For an Irish character. 

Under the Pretzel Brough. Dutch monolog. 

PRICE 15 CENTS EACH. 

TWO PATRIOTIC MONOLOGS 



The Stars and Stripes in Flanders. 

A dramatic reading with a climax that 
will cause a thrill. Price, 25 cents. 

When fVfonty Came Home from the 
Marne. 

Suitable for any reader and a number that 
will be welcome on any program. Price 
2t5 cents. 

ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S. lo^an, DENVER, COLO. 



Vfe 




SURE POP AND THE SAFETY 
FIRST SCOUTS 

is going to be a splendid help in all 
Safety First'' Campaigns and ean be 
given by children in the school-room 
or elsewhere. Price 25 cents. 

FOWL DEEDS 

A roaring black-face comedy, suitable 
for minstrels or short play on any 
program. Price 35 cents. 

COMMUNITY PLAYS FOR 
VARIOUS DAYS 

is a great help in developing the 
many phases of community life and 
spirit. A mighty helpful book for all 
civic work. Price 50 cents. 

SPECIAL PLAYS FOR 
SPECIAL DAY^S 

This is another splendid book for 
every teacher. These short plays are 
enjoyable, either for school-room use 
or for exhibition purposes. A play 
for every special day. Price 50 cents. 



i 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE 

FRANKLIN, OHIO, also 944 S, Logan, DENVER, COLO. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




Seene tronre the Comic Opera, "The Captain of Plymouth" 

THE CAPTAIN OF PLYMOUTH 

This is a splendid number for any time, and especially good 
for High School, Choral Societies, etc. Price complete $1.25. 
Right of presentation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental 
of orchestration $7.00. 



THE HERMIT OF HAW AH 

is just the thing for your school society or High School chorus. 
It is written by the popular composer, Arthur Penn, and is 
especially tuneful and clever. Price $1.25. Right of presen- 
tation given with purchase of 1 5 copies. Rental of orches- 
tration $7.00. 



OPERETTAS FOR CHILDREN 

Midsummer Eve - _ - - - 

In Little Folks Town - - - - 
Under The Sugar Plum Tree - - - 
Arcticania ------- 



60 cents 

60 cents 

60 cents 

$1,00 



SEND 15 CENTS POSTAGE FOR APPROVAL COPIES. 



ELDRIDGE ENTERTAINMENT HOUSE, 



FRANiCLlN, OHIO 



DENVER, COLORADO 

944 South Logan Street. 



